The Cleveland Browns made a bold move in acquiring Deshaun Watson, hoping his on-field talent would overshadow the off-field turbulence that surrounded his return to the NFL. However, it’s safe to say that the results have not met expectations. Instead of the dynamic playmaker we once knew from his 2020 season, Watson has struggled, and the looming specter of retirement might not be out of the question.
Since joining the Browns, Watson has posted 3,365 passing yards alongside 19 touchdowns, but those numbers come with 12 interceptions. His ability to navigate the pocket has also been a cause for concern; during his tenure, he’s been sacked a staggering 70 times. The signs of decline are evident, with Watson exhibiting slower pre-snap processing and a troubling increase in poor decision-making post-snap. This has led to moments that the offense simply cannot afford—turnovers and stagnation.
The injury bug has further complicated matters. Watson played only seven games in the 2024 season before an Achilles injury brought a premature end to his campaign. Just as it seemed he would bounce back for a much-needed 2025 season, he unfortunately reaggravated the injury, necessitating another surgery on January 10. With these setbacks, his availability for the 2025 season hangs in the balance, raising questions about his future—and the Browns’ plans at quarterback.
As Watson approaches the 2026 season, he’ll be 30, turning 31 shortly after the campaign begins. This timeline puts him at a critical juncture. His return to form is uncertain, especially given that he had already shown hesitance in the pocket before his injury troubles began.
Given this context, the Browns’ front office faces a pivotal decision. Will they look for a new signal-caller to lead them into the future, potentially sidelining Watson from a starting role? For Watson himself, retiring might emerge as a plausible option; doing so could allow him to step away with dignity, without risking further injury or a further decline in performance that could tarnish his legacy.
The NFL is a league that demands peak athleticism, and while Watson once embodied that, he now faces a crossroads where self-reflection is crucial. The tough truth is that he may never reclaim the explosive form that made him a franchise quarterback and a fan favorite. For Watson, weighing the opportunity for a graceful exit against the desire to compete is a decision that will shape not only his future but also the trajectory of the Browns as they search for their next leader on the field.
